This week's showdown between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets at Truist Park is set to be the most pivotal series of the 2024 MLB regular season. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with a potential postseason spot on the line and both teams keenly aware of the significance. As Mets' catcher Sean Murphy put it, “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.”
Adding an extra layer of drama, a potential hurricane looms over the region, which could further complicate an already tense situation. The National League wild-card race has distilled into a four-team fight vying for three coveted spots, with all other teams behind Atlanta having been eliminated.
Key Game Matchups
The series opens on Tuesday, September 24, at 7:20 p.m. ET, featuring a battle between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. Following this initial encounter, the competition heats up with clashes between left-handers David Peterson against Chris Sale on Wednesday, and Sean Manaea versus Max Fried on Thursday.
The Mets have strategically adjusted their rotation, utilizing Monday's off-day to push back Jose Quintana's start to Friday. This move appears designed to maximize their pitching strength for this critical series.
Standout Performances
Despite key injuries, both teams have had players step up impressively. Braves' rookie Luisangel Acuña has been a revelation at shortstop, boasting a .409 batting average with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs in Francisco Lindor’s absence. Meanwhile, veteran Jose Iglesias has been stellar at the plate, hitting .467 after stepping into the leadoff spot and covering second base due to Jeff McNeil's wrist injury. Although Lindor remains hopeful of making a season return, he acknowledges he is unlikely to do so without pain.
Braves’ outfielder Marcell Ozuna has also been in fine form, posting a .329/.417/.425 slash line in September. However, not all Braves have found success; JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have both struggled this month. For the Mets, despite their overall solid performance, the absence of key players has left some gaps that others need to fill effectively.
Braves vs. Mets: The Outcomes
This series is monumental not just for immediate wins but for its implications on playoff prospects. A series sweep by the Braves won't guarantee a wild-card spot, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks falter against the San Francisco Giants. Conversely, if the Mets manage to take two games, their postseason berth will be secured. The Braves, however, wouldn't necessarily be eliminated with such an outcome; they could still overtake Arizona depending on the results of their final games.
What Lies Ahead
After this decisive series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers. Milwaukee has already clinched the NL Central and is now aiming to secure a Wild Card Series bye. Meanwhile, the Braves will remain home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, another team entrenched in a tight wild-card race. Game 162 could be a make-or-break scenario for both teams, emphasizing the relentless chase that characterizes Major League Baseball in September.
The tension is palpable as both teams prepare for what could be season-defining moments. Fans, players, and coaches alike understand the stakes, as past seasons have shown how a single series can sway the entire outlook. Two years ago, the Braves managed a critical sweep of the Mets late in the season, derailing New York’s grip on first place in the NL East. This history adds yet another layer of intensity to what promises to be a thrilling series at Truist Park.